There's nothing like acknowledging that you are part of something bigger, part of an entire way of life that exists outside your home, town or state. That's why Earth Day is such a big day … it celebrates our entire planet! And this year, there will be a variety of events that highlight Mother Earth in all her glory. Some stuff worth mentioning is the 6th Annual Sustainability Expo & Lobos Growers' Market, the Celebrate Earth Day event at Hotel Andaluz and Earth Day at the Museum. The first is at the Cornell Mall at UNM's main campus and includes fresh, local produce, music, crafts and food trucks. Now that's a fine way to pay homage to our planet. The event runs from 10am to 2pm on April 22, and is free, unless, you know, you buy stuff. The second event is Celebrate Earth Day at Hotel Andaluz (125 Second Street NW) and is a free event that features guest speakers (including Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham), a wolf from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary and raptors from Avian Ambassadors. That event happens from 10am to 1pm, also on April 22. And for those who want to throw a little education into their celebrations, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (1801 Mountain NW) is hosting Earth Day at the Museum (again, on April 22). This day will have “special celebrations, hands-on activities for all ages and short talks.” And that slice of terrestrial goodness is included with regular admission, which is $7 for ages 13 and up, $6 for seniors and $4 for those under 13. Festivities run from 9am to 3pm. Not bad, eh? Consult our calendars for more events happening prior to Earth Day if these aren't to your liking. But bear in mind that Earth is a lovely place to be, and that's always a reason to celebrate. (Mark Lopez)

In the words of Dean Martin, “Baby, it's cold outside.” So lend a helping hand to the homeless folks in Burque by contributing to Astro-Zombies' 8th Annual Holiday Sleeping Bag Drive. Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, drop off new, adult-sized cold weather sleeping bags at the comic store to help local homeless people weather the winter cold. The bags will be distributed throughout the community on Christmas Eve. And for each bag you donate, you'll also be entered in a raffle to win awesome prizes from the likes of Masks Y Mas, Rude Boy Cookies, Archetype Dermigraphic Studio and more. After all, when told, “Baby, you'd freeze out there,” even Dean's lady asked him to lend her a coat. (Renée Chavez)